healthy communities: the comprehensive plan assessment … · healthy communities: the...

Healthy Communities:The Comprehensive Plan

Assessment ToolAugust 2010

a planning resource for local governmentscreated as part of IPAÕs Healthy Communities initiative

and as an online component of the

authorClaire M. Beck

project managerWilliam DeCoursey

Institute for Public AdministrationUniversity of Delaware

www.ipa.udel.eduserving the public good, shaping tomorrowÕs leaders

in partnership with the University of DelawareDepartment of Health, Nutrition & Exercise Sciences

HealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool

August2010

author

ClaireM.Beck

projectmanagerWilliamDeCoursey

publishedbytheInstituteforPublicAdministration

UniversityofDelaware

incooperationwiththeUniversityofDelawareDepartmentofHealth,Nutrition&ExerciseSciences

andfundedbytheDelawareDivisionofPublicHealth

HealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool i

publishedAugust2010 UniversityofDelawareInstituteforPublicAdministration

Preface

AstheDirectoroftheInstituteforPublicAdministration(IPA)attheUniversityofDelaware,IampleasedtoprovideHealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool.Preparationofthisassessmenttoolispartofalargerproject,theUniversityofDelaware’sHealthyCommunitiesinitiative,whichisanongoingcollaborationbetweentheUniversity’sDepartmentofHealth,Nutrition&ExerciseSciencesandIPA.FundingforthisprojectwasprovidedbytheDelawareDivisionofPublicHealth.AssociateProfessorEricJacobsonservedasPrincipalInvestigatorforthisproject,PolicySpecialistWilliamDeCourseyservedasprojectmanagerforproductionofthisassessmenttool,andGraduateResearchAssistantClaireM.Beckauthoredthedocument.ThisassessmenttoolwillalsobeincludedasacomponentofIPA’sonlineToolkitforaHealthyDelaware,whichmaybeviewedatwww.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/.Asobesityratesacrossthecountrycontinuetorise,scholarsandhealthofficialsalikearerecognizingtheimportanceofurbandesignandpublicpolicytofacilitatemoreactivelifestylesandhealthiereatinghabits.Thedevelopmentoftownsandcitiesthatpromotethehealthoftheircitizensrequirescarefulplanningandastrongcommitmenttohealth‐relatedgoals.ThisComprehensivePlanAssessmentToolisdesignedtoguidemunicipalitiesincreatingcomprehensiveplansthatclearlyarticulategoalsandstrategiesforprovidingtheirresidentswithmoreopportunitiestolivehealthierlives.Ihopethatlocalgovernmentofficialsandothersinvolvedinthecomprehensive‐planningprocesswillusethisassessmenttooltobegintheprocessofbuildinghealthier,morevibrantcommunities.JeromeR.Lewis,Ph.D.Director,InstituteforPublicAdministration

HealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool ii


Acknowledgements

ProjectTeam

Author:ClaireM.Beck

ProjectManager:WilliamDeCoursey

PrincipalInvestigator:EricJacobson

IPAProjectTeamMembers:MarciaScott,JuliaO’Hanlon,andMarkDeshon

Theprojectteamwouldliketothankthefollowingpeoplefortheirvaluableinsightandcontributionstothedevelopmentofthisassessmenttool:

DavidEdgell,OfficeofStatePlanningCoordination

DelawareHEAL(HealthyEatingandActiveLiving)Committee

HealthyCommunitiesToolsWorkshop/FeedbackGroup:

SarahCoakley,DelawareDepartmentofTransportation

DavidEdgell,OfficeofStatePlanningCoordination

MichaelFortner,CityofNewark

BobbieGeier,DelawareDepartmentofTransportation

PeggyGeisler,SussexChildHealthPromotionCoalitiontofTransportation

DanaGriffin,NemoursHealthandPreventionServices

DeniseHusband,URSCorporation

HerbInden,OfficeofStatePlanningCoordination

JonathanKirch,AmericanHeartAssociation

DanLaCombe,DelawareDepartmentofTransportation

KendallSommers,DelawareDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandEnvironmentalControl,DivisionofParksandRecreation

EileenSparling,CenterforDisabilitiesStudies,UniversityofDelaware

HealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool iii


TableofContents

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................1

PartOne:PlanningforHealthyCommunities

Healthy‐CommunitiesConcepts .................................................................................................3

ImprovingtheHealthofaCommunity ...................................................................................3 ComprehensivePlanningandHealthyCommunities ..............................................................5

BestPractices .............................................................................................................................6

NationalLevel........................................................................................................................6 StateLevel .............................................................................................................................8

PartTwo:DevelopmentandMethodology

DevelopmentoftheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist..................................9

Methodology..............................................................................................................................9

TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityMatrix ...............................................................9

MatrixExample ........................................................................................................................11

PartThree:TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist

IntroductiontotheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist .................................12

HowtoUsetheChecklist..........................................................................................................12

TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist..........................................................14

ExampleoftheReviewProcess................................................................................................15

ExamplesofChecklistElements ...............................................................................................16

ExamplesofUseoftheChecklistinFiveDelawareMunicipalities ...........................................19

Bellefonte2007ComprehensivePlan ..................................................................................19 Millville2008ComprehensivePlanUpdate..........................................................................21 Cheswold2006ComprehensivePlanUpdate.......................................................................24 Newark2008ComprehensiveDevelopmentPlan ................................................................26 Smyrna2005ComprehensivePlanUpdate ..........................................................................28

References................................................................................................................................30

HealthyCommunities:TheComprehensivePlanAssessmentTool 1


IntroductionTheHealthyCommunitiesComprehensivePlanAssessmentToolisachecklist‐baseddocumentdesignedtoaidDelawaremunicipalitiesintheprocessofwritingcomprehensiveplansthatemphasizeplanningforandbuildinghealthiercommunities.Thistoolisintendedforusebylocalgovernmentofficials,planningcommissions,orotherindividualsinvolvedinwritingorupdatingtheircommunity’scomprehensiveplan.Byfocusingonpolicyinitiativesandurbandesignguidelinesthatcanincreasephysicalactivityandencouragehealthierlifestyles,theComprehensivePlanAssessmentToolwillultimatelyresultincomprehensiveplansthatsetthestageforaneweraofhealth‐focusedcommunityplanning.

OnegoalofthisAssessmentToolistostressthatplanningforhealthycommunitiesisaboutmorethanjustwalkability.Thereareseveralelementsofcommunityplanninganddesignthatcontributetowhetherornotaparticularcommunityfostershealthylifestyles.Manyoftheseelementsareincludedinthefocalitemofthisdocument,theComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist(foundonpage14).Thischecklistprovidesauser‐friendlyformatforguidanceandreviewduringthecomprehensive‐planningprocess.Whilethechecklistcontains24uniqueitems,therearefiveoverarchingprinciplesofplanningforahealthycommunitythatstructurethechecklist.Ifaspectsofeachofthesefiveprinciplesareincludedinacomprehensiveplan,thentheplanshouldscoreveryhighlyonthechecklist:

• BicycleandPedestrianAccessibility:Everyeffortshouldbemadetoprovidefacilitiesthatallowforthesafemovementofpedestriansandbicycliststhroughoutthetownforthepurposesoftransportationaswellasrecreation.Basicfacilitiesshouldbeprovided,includingsidewalks,bikelanes,andmulti‐usetrails.

• CompleteStreetsPrinciples:WhilebicycleandpedestrianaccessibilityisoneofthemaincomponentsofCompleteStreets,truly“complete”streetsareconvenientandaccessibleforallusersofthetransportationsystem—motorists,transitusers,pedestrians,andbicyclistsofallagesandabilities.Thisconvenienceandaccessibilityincludesaccessoryfactorssuchasstreetscapingimprovementsandhuman‐scaleddesignpractices.TownsshouldstriveforallaspectsofCompleteStreetsprinciplesinadditiontobasicinfrastructure.

• ParksandOpenSpaces:Sufficientparksandopenspacesshouldbemadeavailabletotownresidentsforactiveandpassiverecreationalopportunities.Openspacesalsoenhancethevisualattractivenessofanareawhilehelpingtoimproveairquality.

• CompactandMixed‐UseDevelopment:Thedesignandbenefitsofcompactandmixed‐usedevelopmentoftengohand‐in‐hand.Thetownshouldprovideareasofmixedusetoitsresidentsbecauseoftheincreasedopportunitiestowalkorbicycletocommondestinations(suchasgrocerystoresandrestaurants)therein.Compactdevelopment

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#c

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#h

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#w

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#a

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#s

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#b

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#m



http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#p



http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#d




shouldalsobeencouraged,aslow‐densitydevelopmentresultsindestinationsthatarephysicallyseparatedbylongdistances,requiringautomobiletransportation.Municipalitiescanencouragemorecompactdevelopmentbyusingcontext‐sensitivedesignsthatwillresultindestinationsthatarecloseenoughtoaccessbybicyclingorwalking.

• ConvenientAccesstoHealthyFood:Everyresidentofthetownshouldhaveconvenientaccesstohealthy‐foodretailers.Theselocationsshouldbeaccessiblebyautomobilesaswellaspedestrians,bicyclists,andtransitusers.

ThemajorityofthisdocumentisdesignedtoprovidebackgroundinformationandbestpracticesthatinformedthedevelopmentoftheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist.PartOneincludesgeneralinformationonhealthycommunitiesconceptsandstateandnationalbestpractices.PartTwoexplainstheprocessofdevelopingthechecklist.PartThreeincludestheactualComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist,anexplanationofitsintendedaudienceanduse,andalistofexamplesillustratingeachelementitincludes.Itisrecommendedthatusersofthischecklistreadtheentiredocumentinordertobecomemorefamiliarwiththechecklistandhealthy‐communitiesconceptsbeforemovingforwardwithassessingtheirowncomprehensiveplans.However,itisalsopossibletousethechecklistbyreferencingmaterialfromPartThreeonly.



PartOne:HealthyCommunities

Healthy‐CommunitiesConcepts

ImprovingtheHealthofaCommunity

Improvingthehealthofacommunityreliesheavilyontwoaspectsoflocalgovernmentplanning:publicpoliciesandcommunitydesign.Publicpoliciesthataddresszoningcodes,buildingregulations,transportationinvestments,andsubdivisionregulationsalldeterminethenatureofthebuiltenvironmentofacityortown.Thesepoliciescanhelporhinderthedevelopmentofacommunitythatisconducivetohealthyliving.Ultimately,thesepublicpoliciesresultincertainpatternsofcommunitydesignthatshapeatown’sinfrastructureovertime.Theseareespeciallyimportantbecausethedesignofourcitiesandtownsdetermineshowpeopleusethem.Somedesigncharacteristicsencouragewalking,bicycling,transituseandcommunityinvolvement,whereasothersencourageorforceautomobiledependencyandlong,solitarycommutes.Publicpoliciesandcommunity‐designcharacteristicsthatfostermoreactiveformsoftransportationanddailylivingcangoalongwayincombatingrisingobesityratesaswellasproblemsrelatedtopollution,environmentaldegradation,andenergyuse.

FivePrinciplesofPlanningforaHealthyCommunity:TheBigPicture

Ofthefiveoverarchingprinciplesofplanningforhealthycommunities,thestateofDelawareisalready making great progress on the principles of Complete Streets. Mandated by theGovernorin2009,theDelawareDepartmentofTransportationhasreleasedaCompleteStreetsPolicy thatwill eventuallypositively impact the designof communities throughoutDelaware.Thepurposeofthislegislation,asstatedbytheDelawareDepartmentofTransportation,is“toensure that the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) systemmodifications areroutinelyplanned,designed,constructed,operatedandmaintainedinawaythatenablessafeand efficient access for all users. The result should be a system for all users that iscomprehensive, integrated, connected, safe, and efficient allowing users to choose amongdifferent transportation modes, both motorized and non‐motorized.”i The key aspect of aComplete Streets policy is that it makes streets safe and efficient for all users, includingpedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and those with disabilities, as well as motorists. Thisapproach to road construction and maintenance on a statewide scale will have significantimpactsoninfrastructureandcommunitydesignsthatfostermorehealthylifestyles.

DelDOTisresponsibleforabout90percentofthestate’stransportationinfrastructure.iiWhileDelDOTtransportationplannersandengineersstrivetodesignstreetswithallusersinmind,Delawarelocalgovernmentshaveauthorityforlocallanduseplansandpolicies,whichmaynot







beconsistentorcompatiblewiththestatewideCompleteStreetspolicy.LocalgovernmentpolicymakersneedtodeveloplocalCompleteStreetspoliciestostrengthenallmodesandfosterbetterwalkingandcyclingconnections.

AnintegralpartofanyCompleteStreetspolicyistheprovisionofadequateandintegratedbicycleandpedestrianfacilities.Thesefacilitiesshouldincludebasicinfrastructuresuchassidewalks,stripedbikelanesorshoulders,pedestriancrossingsignalsandcrosswalks,bicycleparking,andadequatelighting.Thesefacilitiesalone,however,willnotsignificantlyincreasebicyclingandwalkingbehavior.Mixed‐useandcompactdevelopmentsarealsoneededtocreateanenvironmentinwhichdesirableoriginsanddestinationsareaccessiblebytheseactivetransportationmodes.Ifagrocerystoreisnotlocatedwithinareasonabledistancefromaresidentialarea,thenresidentswillbeforcedtousetheirautomobileforshopping.However,ifaneighborhoodgrocerystoreisprovidednearresidentialareas,thenresidentswillhavetheoptiontowalkorbicycleforsmallshoppingtrips.

Furthermore,theprovisionofparkfacilitiesandopenspacesisanimportantstepinencouragingactivelifestylesamongresidents.Localgovernmententitiesarekeyplayersinmaintainingopenspacesthatcancreateopportunitiesforhealthyactiveandpassiverecreation.Afinalelementthatcontributestotheviabilityofahealthycommunityisaccesstohealthyfood.ThehealthofmanyAmericansisadverselyaffectedbypoordiet,andthusitisveryimportanttoprovideeveryonewithaccesstofull‐servicegrocerystoresandfarmersmarkets.Healthy‐foodoutletsshouldbeeasilyaccessiblebyeveryone,includingcar‐lesshouseholds,pedestrians,bicyclists,andtransitusers.

Whilenoonecanbeforcedtoliveahealthierlifestyle,municipalitiesareinapositiontocreateanenvironmentandprovideopportunitiesthatwillmakeiteasierforresidentstoeathealthyandgettheexercisetheyneed.Manyofourtowns’residentsleadhecticlifestylesthatleavethemlittletimeforintentionalexerciseormaintainingahealthydiet.Thus,planningforahealthycommunityisoneofthebestwaystohelpourpopulationbuildhealthyactivitiesintotheireverydaylives.Integratingthefiveprinciplesofhealthy‐communityplanningaskeyelementsinthefuturedevelopmentofamunicipalityisanimportantfirststepinfosteringhealthier,happierresidents.

ComprehensivePlanningandHealthyCommunities

DelawareStatelawdeemsthatallmunicipalitiesmustdevelopandadoptacomprehensiveplan.Title22Chapter7,Section702oftheDelawareCodedefinesaComprehensivePlanas“adocumentintextandmaps,containingataminimum,amunicipaldevelopmentstrategysettingforththejurisdiction'spositiononpopulationandhousinggrowthwithinthejurisdiction,expansionofitsboundaries,developmentofadjacentareas,redevelopment











potential,communitycharacter,andthegeneralusesoflandwithinthecommunity,andcriticalcommunitydevelopmentandinfrastructureissues.”

Mostimportantly,municipalcomprehensiveplanshavetheforceoflawonceadopted.Thus,anypublicpoliciesadoptedordevelopmentplansapprovedbyatowninthefuturemustbeconsistentwiththemapsandtextcontainedinthecomprehensiveplandocument.Thoughthecomprehensiveplanmaynotalwaysincludespecificstipulationsregardingbuildingcodesorsubdivisionregulations,thecomprehensiveplanitselfservesasabasisforfutureregulatorypoliciesandcommunitydesignstandards.Plansforrecreationalpedestrianandbicycletrails,multi‐modaltransportationnetworks,sidewalks,on‐roadbicyclefacilities,andstreetscapingimprovementscanallbeaddressedwithinacomprehensiveplan.Pedestrianandbicyclemasterplansmayalsobeincludedaspartofacomprehensiveplan,aswellassubdivisionregulationsregardingtheconstructionofpedestrianfacilities,parks,andopenspaces.Inshort,thecomprehensiveplanprovidesagreatopportunitytomakehealthycommunityelementsapartofthetown’sdevelopmentagenda.

BestPracticestoConsiderDuringtheComprehensivePlanningProcess

Manyorganizationsaroundthecountryarefocusingonhowtomakecommunitiesmorehealthyplacestolive.Thereisawealthofinformationavailableaboutwhatelementsofcityplanninganddesigncanleadtomorehealthy,walkable,andlivablecommunities.Afewoftheseprojectsandorganizationsarelistedbelow,alongwithexamplesofrecommendationsfromeachsource.Theserecommendationsshouldbeveryhelpfulduringthecomprehensive‐planningprocess.Additionally,theorganizationsandprojectslistedbelowcanserveasgoodresourcesforfurtherstudyorreference.

Itshouldbenotedthatmanyoftherecommendationsputforthbytheseorganizationsandpublicationsaddressdesignstandardsinreferencetosubdivisionregulations,transportation,orbuildingcodes.Whilethesetypesofspecificregulationsarenotcommonlyenumeratedincomprehensive‐planningdocuments,thecomprehensiveplancanrecommendthatcertaintypesofregulationsbeadoptedbythetowncouncilorlocalpolicymakers.Forexample,acomprehensiveplancouldrecommendthatsubdivisionregulationsincludearequirementforfive‐foot‐widesidewalksandsmallblocksizesinordertoachievegoodpedestrianstreetconnectivity.Similarly,thetransportationsectionwithinacomprehensiveplancouldrecommendthattraffic‐calmingmeasures,suchasnarrowerstreetsandcurbextensions,beimplementeddowntownorinacentralbusinessdistrictinordertofacilitateasaferpedestrianenvironment.Moreover,acomprehensiveplancanconveytheneedforSmartGrowthorNewUrbanismstrategiesthatfocusontheefficientuseoflandandresourceswhileprovidingmulti‐modaltransportationopportunitiesthroughcompact,mixed‐usedevelopment.Theinclusionofsuchrecommendationsinacomprehensiveplandoesnotensurethatthemeasureswillbe

http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#l




http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#t



http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#n




implemented,butitdoescommunicateastrongmessageaboutthetown’svalues,goals,andvisionforlivability.

BestPractices

NationalLevel

NationalCompleteStreetsCoalitioniii

• CompleteStreetsaredesignedandoperatedtoenablesafeaccessforallusers.Pedestrians,bicyclists,motorists,andtransitridersofallagesandabilitiesmustbeabletosafelymovealongandacrosssuchastreet.

• CompleteStreetscanbeachievedthroughavarietyofpolicies:ordinancesand

resolutions;rewritesofdesignmanuals;inclusionincomprehensiveplans;internalmemosfromdirectorsoftransportationagencies;andexecutiveordersfromelectedofficials,likeMayorsorGovernors.

• AneffectiveCompleteStreetspolicymustbesensitivetothecommunitycontext.Being

clearaboutthisintheinitialpolicystatementcanallayfearsthatthepolicywillrequireinappropriatelywideroadsinquietneighborhoodsormilesoflittle‐usedsidewalksinruralareas.

RobertWoodJohnsonFoundation,LeadershipforHealthyCommunities:ActionStrategiesToolkitiv

• Localgovernmentscandeveloporre‐evaluatelong‐termtransportationplansthatexplicitlyset“activetransportation”goalsforwalkingorbikingasmodesoftransportation.Aspartofthesegoals,theycanimplementCompleteStreetsinneighborhoods.

• Stateandlocalpolicymakerscansupportpoliciesthatcreateopenspacesthatcanincluderecreationalgreenways.

• Localpolicymakerscanalsoidentifyareasunderservedbyretailandpartnerwithhealthofficialstoensurethatpublichealthispartofcomprehensiveplansorcommunityplanning.



http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#g



ADAStandardsforAccessibleDesign(AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct)v

• Awell‐designedandmaintainedpedestrian‐circulationsystemcanencouragepeopletobemoreactiveandlessautomobile‐dependent.Facilitiesshouldbedesignedtobesafe,usable,andaccessibleforallusers—includingchildren,elderlypeople,andpersonswithdisabilities.Thetransportationsectionofacomprehensiveplanshouldaddresstheneedforaconnected,well‐maintained,andaccessiblepedestriannetwork.

• TheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)of1990wasintendedtoimprovethemobility,safety,andcomfortofpersonswithdisabilities.Planningforthedesignandmaintenanceofallfacilities,includingpedestriannetworks,shouldmeetADAaccessibilityrequirements.

• Acomprehensiveplanmayalsoaddresstheneedtoamendamunicipalcodethatisnot

infullcompliancewithADA.SmartGrowthNetworkviEncourageaMixofLandUses:

• Provideincentivesthroughstatefundstoencourageresidentstolivenearwheretheywork.

• Useinnovativezoningtoolstoencouragemixed‐usecommunitiesandbuildings.• Useflexzoningtoallowdeveloperstoeasilysupplyspaceinresponsetomarket

demands.CreateWalkableCommunities:

• Requirebuildingdesignthatmakescommercialareasmorewalkable.• Adoptdesignstandardsforsidewalks.

CongressforNewUrbanismvii

• NewUrbanismisagrowingmovementthatrecognizestheneedforwalkable,human‐scaledneighborhooddesignasthebuildingblocksforsustainablecommunities.TheCongressforNewUrbanismoffersresources,tools,andstrategiestodevelopandadoptsustainabledevelopmentpatternstostrengthenthecharacter,livability,anddiversityofcommunities.






http://www.ipa.udel.edu/healthyDEtoolkit/glossary.html#l



StateLevelStatePoliciesandDocumentsEncouragingSmartGrowthandWalkability

• DelawareCompleteStreetslegislationviii• Delaware’sLivabilityPrinciples• “StrategiesforStatePoliciesandSpending”ix• StatewidePedestrianActionPlanx

OtherDelawareResources

• HealthyCommunities:AResourceGuideforDelawareMunicipalitiesxi• BetterModelsforDevelopmentinDelawarexii

SixPrinciplesforBetterDevelopment:• ConserveFarmland,OpenSpace,andScenicResources• MaintainaClearEdgebetweenTownandCountryside• BuildLivableCommunities• PreserveHistoricResources• RespectLocalCharacterinNewConstruction• ReducetheImpactoftheCar



PartTwo:DevelopmentandMethodology

DevelopmentoftheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist

TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklistwasdevelopedbasedonthehealthy‐communityelementsfoundinexistingDelawarecomprehensiveplansinadditiontootherelementsgleanedfromstateandnationalbestpractices.Therefore,thechecklistincludessomeelementsthatarenotcurrentlylocatedinanyofDelaware’scomprehensiveplansbutshouldbeconsideredforinclusioninfutureplansorupdatesbasedontheirconsistencywithotherrecognizedbestpractices.

MethodologyThedevelopmentoftheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklistinvolvedseveralsteps:

1. Studyandreviewofvariousbestpracticesregardingwalkabilityandhealthycommunitydevelopment

2. DetailedreviewofcomprehensiveplansfromDelawaremunicipalities(exampleanalysesshownbeginningonpage19)

3. CreationofalistofcommonhealthycommunityelementsfoundinDelawarecomprehensiveplans

4. Creationofamatrixcomparingthehealthy‐communityelementsineachmunicipality’splan

5. Creationofachecklistbasedonhealthy‐communityelementsfoundinDelaware’sexistingcomprehensiveplansaswellasotherbestpracticesapplicabletoDelaware

TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityMatrixTheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityMatrixwasdevelopedthroughadetailedreviewofasampleofDelaware’scomprehensiveplans.Eachcomprehensiveplanwasreadcompletely,andanymentionofpedestrian‐andbicycle‐friendliness,looselydefined,wasrecorded.Thefactorsoriginallynotedincludedthingssuchaspedestrianorbicycleinfrastructure,pedestriansafety,automobile‐trafficreduction,compact/mixed‐usedevelopment,andstreetscapingfeatures.Afterallofthevarioushealthycommunityfactors











andelementsforeachtownhadbeengathered,themostcommonandimportantelementswereidentifiedtocreateaninitialchecklist.Afterthischecklisthadbeencreated,fiveofDelaware’scomprehensiveplanswerereviewedonthebasisofthischecklist,andtheresultisamatrixoftheseDelawaremunicipalities’healthycommunityfeatures.ThefivemunicipalitieswhosecomprehensiveplanswereevaluatedwereBellefonte,Millville,Cheswold,Newark,andSmyrna.TheresultofcreatingthismatrixofDelawaremunicipalitiesisacomparativelookatfivecomprehensiveplans.Eventually,thematrixcouldincludeallofDelaware’smunicipalities,providingastatewideperspectivethathighlightsthestrengthsamongmunicipalitiesandotherareaswherecomprehensiveplansneedtobeimproved.Fromthissampleoffivemunicipalities’plans,thereappearstobemuchvariationbetweenmunicipalitiesinthenumberofhealthycommunityelementsincludedinthecomprehensiveplans.Thereisnoclearpatternofthenumberofelementspresentbasedonthesizeofthetown,locationofthetown,orwhentheplanwasadopted.Itisclearfromthematrix,however,thatalmostallcomprehensiveplansincludearecommendationforimprovedpedestrianorbicycleinfrastructure,whileasmallernumberofplanscallforotherpedestrian‐friendlydesignguidelinessuchasstreetscaping,buildingsetbacks,orcompactdevelopment.Thereisalsoadearthofcomprehensiveplansthatcallforpedestrian/bicyclestudiesormasterplans.Overall,theComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityMatrixsuggeststhatareasforfutureimprovementconsistofinclusionofgeneralpedestrian‐orienteddesignguidelines,moreemphasisoncommunitygoalsrelatedtohealthandwalkability,andrecommendationstoundertakepedestrian,bicycle,trailsystems,andmulti‐usemasterplanstudies.Anexampleofthetypeofmatrixresultingfromthisanalysisisincludedbelow(pleasenotethatduetospacelimitations,thisisonlyanexcerptofthecompletematrixdesign).



MatrixExample



PartThree:TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist

IntroductiontotheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist

ThereviewofDelaware’scomprehensiveplansrevealedthat,eventhoughthereisnoconsistentcomprehensiveplanformat,mostofthetowns’plansweredividedintotwobroadparts:communitygoalsandfuturerecommendations.Becausetheplans’contentwasusuallydividedbetweenthesetwosections,andbecausegoalsandrecommendationsareconceptuallydifferent,thechecklistitselfreferenceshealthy‐communityelementsintermsofcommunitygoalsandfuturerecommendationsseparately.Anexampleofthereviewprocessusedtocreateandusethechecklistisincludedonpage15.ThisreviewprocessalsorevealedthatDelaware’scomprehensiveplansoftenaddressedtransportationinfrastructure(sidewalks,trails,etc.)separatelyfromgeneralpedestrian‐orienteddesign(streetscapingfeatures,buildingsetbacks,placemaking).Thechecklistaddressesinfrastructurerecommendationsanddesignguidelinesseparatelyinordertoemphasizethatdesignguidelinesarejustasimportantasinfrastructurerecommendations.Thechecklistwasappliedtothesamefivetownsthatwereoriginallyreviewedtocreatethematrix.Theresultsofthisevaluationareincludedinthisdocument,startingonpage19.Thechecklistisorganizedbasedonthefiveoverarchingprincipalsofplanningforahealthycommunityenumeratedintheintroductiontothisdocument.Thesecategoriescanhelpmunicipalitiesvisualizewheretheircomprehensiveplansarestrongestandwherethemunicipalityneedstofocusmoreattention.

HowtoUsetheChecklistThischecklistisdesignedtobeusedbylocalofficialsinwritingorupdatingtheirtown’scomprehensiveplan.Sincecomprehensiveplansdonotalwaysincludespecificbuildingordevelopmentregulations,theitemsonthischecklistareorientedtowardthetown’sgeneralgoalsandrecommendationsforthefuture.Thechecklistshouldbeviewedasaguidetoplanningelementsthatencouragemorewalkable,bikeable,andhealthycommunities.Thenumberofelementsthatcanbeincludedinanygivencomprehensiveplanwillvarydependingonthesizeofthetown,itsexistinginfrastructure,anditscommunitycharacter.Nonetheless,










eachtownshouldstrivetoincludegoalsandrecommendationsinitscomprehensiveplanthatwillhelpleadtoahealthierandmorevibrantcommunity.Themorefeaturesthatthetowncancheckoffonthislist,themorethetownwillbeonitswaytobecomingahealthycommunity.Alistofexamplesofeachelementonthechecklistisincludedinthisdocument,startingonpage16.MostexamplescomefromanexistingcomprehensiveplanofaDelawaremunicipality.Theseexamplesareintendedtoprovideguidanceoneffectivewordingofchecklistelementsaswellasabetterunderstandingofhowhealthy‐communityelementscanbeseamlesslyintegratedintoacomprehensiveplan.

• Reviewthetown’scomprehensiveplanforhealthycommunityelements:Lookthroughtheexistingcomprehensiveplanandcheckoffanyofthelistedelementsthatarefoundintheplan.Besuretonoteareasforfutureimprovementthatcanbeaddressedinthenextupdateofthetown’scomprehensiveplan.

• Updateanexistingorwriteanewcomprehensiveplan:Chooseelementsonthechecklistthatcanbeintegratedinthetown’scomprehensiveplan,andstrivetoincludeasmanyelementsaspossibleintheplan.Formoreinformationonspecificfeaturesinthischecklist,refertotheexamplesattheendofthisdocumentortheresourcesforbestpracticesreferencedinPartOne.



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist

*TraditionalNeighborhoodDevelopmentsareneighborhoodswhereresidential,commercial,andcivicbuildingsarewithincloseproximitytoeachother.ModelTNDOrdinancefoundat:http://urpl.wisc.edu/people/ohm/tndord.pdf

**Additionalelementsofapedestrian‐friendlybuiltenvironment=mixofuses;compactdevelopment;buildingsetbacks;parkinglocation;pedestrian‐scaleddesign(buildings,signs,roads);streetconnectivity









http://urpl.wisc.edu/people/ohm/tndord.pdf



ExampleoftheReviewProcess

Thisgraphicshowstheprocessusedtoanalyzecomprehensiveplansinordertodevelopthechecklistitems.First,elementsrelatedtohealthy‐communityconceptswereextractedfromcomprehensive‐plandocumentsasdirectquotesornotes(left).ThentheseelementswereclassifiedbychecklistcategoryanddocumentedontheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist(right).



ExamplesofChecklistElements

1. “Developandmaintainanefficient,balanced,andsafestreet‐and‐highwaysystemwithadequatefacilitiesforpedestrians,cyclists,andmotorists.”(BethanyBeachComprehensivePlan,2005Update,p.8)

2. “Thesafetyofthesemodesoftransportation,especiallychildrenwalkinginthestreettoschool,isamajorconcernofthecitizensandtheTownandPlanningCommissions.”(Bellefonte2007ComprehensivePlan,p.58)

3. “StateandlocalleadersincommunitiesandschoolscansupportWalktoSchoolandSafeRoutestoSchoolprograms.”(LeadershipforHealthyCommunities:ActionStrategiesToolkit,p.16)

4. “DevelopaplanforanetworkofbicycleandpedestrianpathstraversingtheTown,usingexistingstreets,otherrights‐of‐way,andsystemsprovidedinconjunctionwithnewdevelopment.”(Smyrna2006ComprehensivePlan,p.79)

5. “Itisrecommendedthatthetowndevelopaplanfortheinstallationofadditionalbikepathsthroughoutthetown.Thisplanshouldidentifyspecificareasofneedanddetailtheyear‐to‐yearimprovementscheduleoridentifiedprojects.”(BethanyBeachComprehensivePlan,2005Update,p.42)

6. “TheTownmayalsowishtopartnerwithDelDOTorsomeotheroutsideagencytoconductamobility‐friendlyassessmentofthetown’stransportationinfrastructure.Suchaprojectcouldlikelypinpointwhereandwhymostautomotive/pedestrianconflictsariseandsuggestmitigatingmeasures.TheTownmayalsowishtodevelopaninventoryofthebicycleandpedestriannetworkswithinitsboundariesinanefforttoidentifyspecificareasofneed.”(DeweyBeach2007ComprehensivePlan,p.25)

7. “Althoughanumberofbicycleandpedestrianfacilitieshavebeenaddedinrecentyearsandotherswillbedevelopedasvariousprojectsarecompleted,thereisnooverallbicycleandpedestrianplanforthecommunity.WithassistancefromDelDOTthisplanningeffortneedstobeaddressedinthenearfuture.”(Smyrna2006ComprehensivePlan,p.84)

8. Sameasabove9. “ForImmediateImplementation‐‐ Prioritizeplanningandactionsthatcreatea

pedestrianandbicyclefriendlyenvironmentthroughouttown.”(FenwickIsland2007ComprehensivePlan,p.3‐24)

10. “Short‐TermActionPlan:ImproveBikewayPathFacilitiesalongSouthCollegeAvenue.”(Newark2008ComprehensivePlan,p.19)

11. “Makeinvestmentsinconstructionofbicycleandpedestrianpathways…Requiremoreattractive,pedestrian‐friendlyplacementofcommercialandinstitutionalbuildings.”(Middletown2005ComprehensivePlan,p.11)



12. “AdoptazoningdistrictthatisconsistentwithLivableDelawareinitiativesandneotraditionaldesignprinciples.ATraditionalNeighborhoodDesign(TND)ordinancethatwouldallowforagreatermixofhousingtypes,aswellasprovidedaprescribedmixofresidential,commercial,officeandinstitutionaluses.ATNDwouldpromoteasenseofcommunityandprovideformorecompactdevelopmentpatternsthatproducelesstrafficthanconventionaltrafficdevelopmentstyles.Neighborhoodcommercialretailshouldbepermittedandencouragedthatoffersdailynecessitiesintendedtolimitdailytripsperdayandmitigatesomeofthedemandsonthelocalroadnetwork.”(MillsboroComprehensivePlan2009Update,p.63‐64)

13. “Tolimit,insofarpossible,unattractivesprawldevelopmentthatunnecessarilydispersesservicesandutilitiesandincreasestrafficcongestion.”(Newark2008ComprehensivePlan,p.85)

14. “Sidewalks,bikeways,andwalkingtrailsshouldberequiredcomponentsofeverynewareaanddevelopmentwithinthecitylimits.”(Lewes2005ComprehensivePlan,p.2)

15. “FrankfordshouldworkwithstateofficialstodevelopacomprehensiveplanforstreetscapeimprovementstoimprovetheappearanceofFrankford’sMainStreetandincreaseparking.”Frankford2008ComprehensivePlan,p.32)

16. “SidewalksandotherpedestrianconnectionsshouldbeprovidedalongMarketStreetandtootherusesintheareathatwillattractpedestrians.Itisimportanttocreateanenvironmentinwhichpeoplewillfeelcomfortablewalkingandshopping.Thisiscriticaliftheareaistobefriendlytovisitingboaters.”(BladesComprehensivePlan,2008Update,p.30)

17. “Plannedimprovementscouldinclude,butarenotlimitedto,theconstructionofsidewalksinidentifiedkey‐riskareas,traffic‐calmingdevices,andimprovedlighting.”(BethanyBeachComprehensivePlan,2005Update,p.42)

18. “Toprovideinfrastructurethatisbothpedestrian‐andtransit‐supportiveandallowsfasttransitionsbetweenmodes.”(HealthyCommunities:AResourceGuideforDelawareMunicipalities,p.35)

19. “In2008,theCitybeganpreparationofanADATransitionPlanthatwillestablishtheneedforADAcompliance,evaluatesidewalkrampsforcompliance,rateandprioritizeneededimprovements,proposeaphasedcapitalimprovementsbudget,anddefineascheduletoremedyasfundingallows.”(RehobothBeach2010ComprehensiveDevelopmentPlan,p.71)

20. Sameasabove21. “Whenconsideringwhatfeaturesweredesirableinnewneighborhoods,the

respondentsfoundthefollowingfeaturesdesirable:parksandopenspaces;aninterconnectedstreetnetwork;neighborhoodshoppingnearby;streetsthatallowquickaccesstomajorroads…”(BridgevilleComprehensivePlan,2006Update,p.38)



22. “TheTownencouragesfarmers’marketsandcommunitygardens,andshouldworkwithlocalfarmerstowardsthispurpose.”(Millsboro2009ComprehensivePlanUpdate,p.36)

23. “Respondentsoverwhelminglyfavortheestablishmentofparksoropenspaceforbothpassive‐andactive‐recreationalactivities…”(CheswoldComprehensivePlan,2006Update,p.10)

24. “TheTownhasadoptedstandardsforopenspacethatrequirethatnewresidentialdevelopmentssetasidelandforopenspaceandrecreationusesindevelopments.”(MillsboroComprehensivePlan2009Update,p.33)



ExamplesofUseoftheChecklistinFiveDelawareMunicipalities

Bellefonte2007ComprehensivePlan

DateofReview:May2010 ComprehensivePlanDocument:

stateplanning.delaware.gov/comp_plans/bellefonte_plan_master_certified.pdf BellefonteTownWebsite:www.townofbellefonte.com

Bellefonte,locatedjustafewmilesnortheastofWilmington,isasmalltownwithacontinuoushistoryasasuburbofthecity.TheresidentsofBellefontehighlyvalueitssmall‐towncharacterandareconcernedwithmaintainingthesmall‐communityfeelofthetown.ThetownofBellefonteconsistsofrelativelysmalllotsbuiltintoagrid‐likestreetpattern,andthetownisalmostcompletelybuilt‐out,withverylittleopenparcelsorroomtogrow.Someissuesofprimaryconcerntothetownaremanagingtrafficandparkingonnarrowstreets,increasingpedestriansafetythatisjeopardizedbythesenarrowstreetswithoutsidewalks,supportingthetown’slocalbusinesseslocatedintheCentralBusinessDistrict(CBD),andprovidingresidentswiththeactivitiesandservicestheydesire.ThoughimprovingthehealthofthecommunityisnotexplicitlystatedinBellefonte’scomprehensiveplan,thereareanumberofgoalsandrecommendationsincludedintheplanthatwillcontributetoahealthiercommunity,including:

• Astrongcommunitydesireforsaferpedestrianfacilitiesandtraffic‐calmingmeasures• Acommunitydesireforagreatervarietyofshoppingfacilitieslocatedneartheirhomes• AcommunityandtowngoalofcontinuallyimprovingtheCBDthroughbuildingand

streetscapedesignstandards• Aplantorevitalizethetown’soneparkandprovidemorerecreationalopportunities• AtowngoaltocreateaspectsoftheCBDandrecreationalareasthatencouragesocial

interaction

ThoughmostofBellefonte’sresidentsworkoutsideofthetownitself,thesmallsizeofthetownmakeswithin‐townshoppingandsocializingtripsfeasiblebywalkingorbicycling.Itappearsthatthemainobstaclestopedestrianandbicyclecirculationareinadequateinfrastructureandtrafficspeed.BellefonteisalreadyundertakingsomemeasurestocreatemorepleasantdestinationsforresidentsthroughstreetscapeimprovementsalongBrandywineBoulevardintheCBD,butproperinfrastructureandsafetymeasureswillneedtobeimplementedinordertoencouragemoreactivetransportationactivitieswithinthetown.



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist:Bellefonte



Millville2008ComprehensivePlanUpdate

DateofReview:May2010 ComprehensivePlanDocument:https://imageserv2.teamlogic.com/mediaLibrary/170/

MillvilleCompPlanAdopted_FinalCopy_2.pdf MillvilleTownWebsite:www.millvillede.us

MillvilleisasmallcoastaltowninSussexCountythatstronglydesirestoretainitssmalltowncharacterwhileaccommodatingnewgrowthinawell‐plannedmanner.TheresidentsofMillvilleenvisionthetown’sfutureasamoreconnected,pedestrian‐friendlycommunitywithavibrantcenterofcommercialandsocialactivitiesalongAtlanticAvenue,thetown’smainthoroughfare.Inordertoachievethesegoalsofretainingsmall‐towncharacter,creatingapedestrian‐friendlycommunity,andaccommodatingnewgrowth,Millville’scomprehensiveplanlaysoutseveralgeneralgoalsandspecificrecommendations.Manyofthesegoalsandrecommendationsarerelatedtourbandesignelementsthatencouragemorehealthylifestylesandmoreopportunitiesforphysicalactivityandrecreation.Someoftheseelementsthatshouldencourageamorehealthycommunityincludethefollowing:

• Townresidentsstronglysupportpoliciesprotectingopenspaceanddesiretheestablishmentofapublicpark.

• Townresidentsveryhighlyranktheimportanceofpedestrianandbicyclefacilitiesconnectingthetown.

• OneofthehighestprioritiesoftownresidentsandbusinessownersistoimprovetheappearanceandstructureofAtlanticAvenueinordertocreateastrongsenseofplace,settingMillvilleapartfromitsneighboringtowns.

• Thetownhascreatedaspecialcommercialzoningdistrictintendedformixed‐usedevelopment(C1‐Route26Corridor/TownCenterCommercialDistrict),whichcouldencouragemorepedestrianactivity.

• Recommendedtransportationimprovementsincludeexpansionofbicycleandpedestrianfacilities,streetscapingfeatures,traffic‐calmingmeasures,andensuringthatnewdevelopmentsconnecttotheexistingnetwork.

OneofthemoststrikingaspectsofMillville’scommunitydevelopmentplanisitsemphasisoncreatingastrongsenseofplace.Indeed,thefeelingoflivinginauniqueplaceiswhatgivessmalltownstheircharm,andurbandesignanddevelopmentpoliciesplayahugeroleincreatingthatsenseofplace.Inadditiontoprovidingpedestrianandbicycleinfrastructureandconnectivity,place‐makingiswhatultimatelygivestownresidentsadestinationtogotoandareasontogothere.Thiscombinationofpleasantdestinationsandadequateactive



transportationfacilitieswillprovideMillville’sresidentswithmoreopportunitiestoengageinhealthylifestyles.IfMillvillefollowsthroughonitscommunity’sgoalsandrecommendations,thetown’svisionmaybecomeareality:

“AtlanticAvenueintheTownofMillville,astreetlinedwithcrowdedsidewalks,peoplerunningerrands,stoppingtotalkwithfriendsorjustenjoyingaleisurelywalk.Flowersandtreesborderthestreetcreatingacolorfulandlivelyatmosphereencouragingpeopletobeoutsidewalkingorridingbikes.Childrenarelookingattherecentlyconstructedmillreplicawhiletheparentsgathernearbysittingonstreetbenchestotalk.ThisisthefutureofMillville,amoreconnected,pedestriancommunity.”



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist:Millville



Cheswold2006ComprehensivePlanUpdate


stateplanning.delaware.gov/comp_plans/2006_update_cheswold_comp_plan.pdf CheswoldTownWebsite:www.cheswoldde.com

Cheswoldisasmall,historictownlocatedjustoutsideofDover.Whilethetownhasremainedverysmallthroughoutitsexistence,itisnowunderintensedevelopmentpressureandexpectsitspopulationtoincreasedramaticallyoverthenext10to20years.ThefocusofCheswold’scomprehensiveplanisonmanaginganddirectingfuturegrowthinawaythatwillencourageeconomicdevelopmentwhilestillmaintainingthesmall‐towncharacterthatcurrentresidentsvalue.ThecomprehensiveplanmentionsthatCheswoldhashistoricallyhadaveryliberalzoningcode,whichhasresultedinseveralindustrialusesinthetown.Thiszoningcodeisalso,however,attractivetoresidentialdevelopersbecauseofitsliberalityandbecauseofCheswold’slocationontheRoute1Corridor.Thus,Cheswold’stownofficialsintendtostrengthenthetown’szoningcodesandordinancessoastohavemorecontroloverfuturedevelopment.Thecomprehensiveplandoesnotcontainmanyexplicitreferencestoelementsofahealthycommunity,butitisclearthatthetown’sresidentsdesireadequatepedestrianandbicyclefacilitiesaswellasmoreopenspaceandrecreationalopportunities.TheprovisionofalternativetransportationoptionsandgoodconnectivitywillbeessentialtoensuringthatCheswoldcanmaintainitssmall‐towncharacterratherthanbecomingafragmented,sprawlingsuburb.



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist:Cheswold



Newark2008ComprehensiveDevelopmentPlan


http://cityofnewarkde.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=770&bcsi_scan_466F0C48B84B72D2=6qbS5O+TdPnxOQ+gAedG5RQAAAAwVmgp&bcsi_scan_filename=DocumentView.asp

NewarkCityWebsite:cityofnewarkde.us

NewarkisoneofthethreemainpopulationcentersinDelaware,anditseconomyisanchoredmainlybytheUniversityofDelaware,lightindustrialestablishments,andcommercialactivity.Newarkhasastronghistoryofcomprehensiveplanning,whichdatesbackto1969withthecity’sfirstComprehensiveDevelopmentPlan.Sincethattime,Newarkhascompletedthreeadditionalincarnationsofitscomprehensiveplanaswellasseveralotherarea‐specificplans,suchastheHistoricPreservationPlanandDesignGuidelinesforMainStreet.WithamajorityofNewark’spopulationcomprisingUniversitystudents,faculty,andstaff,non‐motorizedtransportationoptionsandmitigationofautomobiletrafficwithinthecityhasbeenanareaoffocusforquitesometime.Thecityalsohighlyvaluesopenspaceandopportunitiesforactiveandpassiverecreation.Newark’slocationalongtheWhiteClayCreekmakesitaprimecandidateforrecreationaltrailsandparks,andthecityisstillpursuingadditionalparklandsalongthisnaturalfeature.SomeofthestandoutelementsfromNewark’sComprehensivePlaninclude:

• Specificrecommendationsforbicycleandpedestrianimprovementsinkeyareas• Anemphasisontrafficcalmingonlocalstreetsandencouragementofalternative‐

transportationoptions• Anarea‐specificplantocreateastrongsenseofplaceonMainStreetthrough

streetscaping,historicpreservation,andbuilding‐designregulations• Agoaltoimproveintermodalconnectionswithinthecity,includingimproved

facilitiesattheNewarkRailStationandbikeracksonbuses• Acommunitygoaltoavoidunattractivesprawldevelopment

TheCityofNewarkhasalreadyimplementedmanystrategiesthathaveimprovedtheavailabilityofactivelifestyleoptionsforitsresidents.However,thecityalsorealizesthatthereisstillroomforimprovementintermsofprovidingadequatefacilitiesthroughouttheentirecity,notjustalongMainStreet.ByvirtueofhavingacaptiveaudienceintheUniversitypopulation,Newarkshouldbeabletomitigatemuchofitstrafficproblemswhileprovidingamorehealthyplaceforitsresidentstolivethroughprovidingbetteropportunitiesfortransitandnon‐motorizedtransportationaswellasactiverecreation.



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist:Newark



Smyrna2005ComprehensivePlanUpdate


stateplanning.delaware.gov/comp_plans/smyrna_comp_plan_certified_2006.pdf SmyrnaTownWebsite:www.smyrna.delaware.gov

Smyrna,locatedjust12milesfromDover,isamid‐sizedtownpoisedforincreasedgrowth.Thetown’slocationalongtheRoute1CorridormakesitanattractiveresidenceforemployeesinDover,Wilmington,andNewark.Smyrnaalsoalreadyhousesthreemajoremployersandwishestoexpanditsgrowthforlightindustrialandcommercialuses.Thetownhasrecentlyexperiencedalargeamountofsprawldevelopment,fragmentingitscommunityandputtingstressonutilityservices;thus,Smyrna’sdevelopmentplanisconcentratedoncontrollingnewgrowthbyencouraginginfilldevelopment,revitalizationofthedowntownarea,andplacementofnewdevelopmentsadjacenttoexistingones.Smyrnadesirestoinfluencecommunity‐designstandardsinordertoimprovetheimageofthetownandcreatemoreofasenseofplace.Thetownisactivelydevelopingandimplementingsuchcommunity‐designstandardstoencouragemorecompact,walkable,andresource‐efficientdevelopment.SomeexamplesofSmyrna’sactionstowardsahealthiercommunityinclude:

• Arevitalizationplanforthedowntownhistoricdistrictthatincludespedestrianandstreetscapeimprovements

• Agoaltoprovideamultimodalcirculationsystem• Arecommendationtoencourageprovisionofcommunityopenspacesinnew

developments• Amovetowardsmorecompactly‐designedresidentialdevelopments• Arecommendationtoundertakepedestrianandbicyclestudies

WhileSmyrna’scomprehensiveplandocumentdoesnotcontainmanyexplicitreferencestooverallcommunityortowngoals,itisclearthatthetownisundertakingmeasurestocreateamorehealthyandlivablecommunity.TheleadersofSmyrnarealizethatfuturegrowthanddevelopmentwillneedtobecloselymonitoredinordertoavoidasprawling,car‐dependentbedroomcommunitywithnosenseofplace.



TheComprehensivePlanHealthy‐CommunityChecklist:Smyrna



References

iDelawareDepartmentofTransportation.P.INumber:0‐6,CompleteStreetsPolicy.RetrievedApril5,2010,viahttp://deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/manuals/complete_streets/o06_complete_streets_policy.pdfiiDelawareDepartmentofTransportation.DelawareTransportationFacts.RetrievedApril14,2010,viahttp://www.deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/fact_book/pdf/2007/Fact_book.pdf?090908iiiNationalCompleteStreetsCoalition.http://www.completestreets.orgivRobertWoodJohnsonFoundation.(February2010).ActionStrategiesToolkit.LeadershipforHealthyCommunities:AdvancingPoliciestoSupportHealthyEatingandActiveLiving.vO’Donnell,Edward,LoreneAthey,andGiladSkolnick.(July2008).SidewalksandShared‐UsePaths:ImprovingMobilityandDesigningTransit‐ReadyCommunities.InstituteforPublicAdministration:UniversityofDelaware.viSmartGrowthNetwork:SmartGrowthOnline.http://www.smartgrowth.org/Default.asp?res=1280viiCongressforNewUrbanism.http://www.cnu.org/who_we_areviiiDelawareDepartmentofTransportation.P.INumber:0‐6,CompleteStreetsPolicy.RetrievedApril5,2010,viahttp://deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/manuals/complete_streets/o06_complete_streets_policy.pdfixDelawareStrategiesforStatePoliciesandSpending,5YearUpdate(July2004).http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/strategies/document_04/00_front.pdfxDelawareStatewidePedestrianActionPlan.http://deldot.gov/information/projects/bike_and_ped/delaware_ped/pages/ped_action_plan.shtmlxiScott,Marcia,MichelleBoyle,JasonEckley,MeganLehman,andKaitlinWolfert.(August2008).HealthyCommunities:AResourceGuideforDelawareMunicipalities.InstituteforPublicAdministration,UniversityofDelaware.xiiMcMahon,EdwardT.(March2004).BetterModelsforDevelopmentinDelaware.TheConservationFund.

http://deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/manuals/complete_streets/o06_complete_streets_policy.pdf

http://www.deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/fact_book/pdf/2007/Fact_book.pdf?090908

http://www.completestreets.org

http://www.smartgrowth.org/Default.asp?res=1280

http://www.cnu.org/who_we_are

http://deldot.gov/information/pubs_forms/manuals/complete_streets/o06_complete_streets_policy.pdf

http://stateplanning.delaware.gov/strategies/document_04/00_front.pdf

http://deldot.gov/information/projects/bike_and_ped/delaware_ped/pages/ped_action_plan.shtml

To the extent permitted by applicable State and Federal laws, the University of Delaware is committed to assuring equal opportunity to all personsand does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, veteran or handicapped status, or gender identityand expression, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment practices as required by Title IX of theEducational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicablestatutes. The University of Delaware has designated Karen Mancini, Director of the Office of Disabilities Support Services, as its ADA/Section 504Coordinator under Federal law. Inquiries concerning Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, Section 504 compliance, campus accessibility, andrelated issues should be referred to Karen Mancini (302-831-4643) in the Office of Disabilities Support Services. Inquiries concerning Title VII andTitle IX compliance and related issues should be referred to the Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Becki Fogerty (302-831-8063).

Institute for Public AdministrationUniversity of Delaware

180 Graham HallNewark, DE 19716-7380

phone: 302-831-8971 e-mail: [email protected] fax: 302-831-3488

www.ipa.udel.edu

The University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) addresses the policy, planning,and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professionaldevelopment, and the education of tomorrow’s leaders.